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Description

Dive into the smooth, expressive world of fretless bass with the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 HH Fretless. Known for its unmistakable design and rich tonal palette, this bass is a testament to precision craftsmanship. The StingRay 4 HH combines the celebrated dual-humbucker configuration with the seamless playability offered by its fretless fingerboard. This provides a distinctive, warm sound that inspires creativity and exploration across genres.

The StingRay is equipped with an active 3-band EQ, allowing you to sculpt your tone with precision. Its robust construction is complemented by a comfortable neck profile, making it an excellent choice for both studio sessions and live performances. Whether you're laying down a soulful groove or embarking on an experimental bass solo, the StingRay 4 HH Fretless delivers consistent and reliable performance.

Key Features:

  • Fretless fingerboard for smooth, gliding playability
  • Dual humbucking pickups for a wide range of tones
  • Active 3-band EQ for precise tonal control
  • Solid construction with a comfortable neck profile
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music styles

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay 4 HH Fretless
Year 1999 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver, Teal, White, Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, Pau Ferro
Frets Fretless
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 HH Fretless?

The StingRay 4 HH Fretless offers a warm, smooth tone with rich harmonic content, thanks to its dual humbucking pickups and active preamp. It's ideal for genres that benefit from expressive slides and a smooth, singing bass line.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 HH Fretless suitable for a beginner bassist?

While it's a high-quality instrument, the fretless design may be challenging for beginners due to the need for precise finger placement. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with fretless bass techniques.

How does the active preamp in the StingRay 4 HH Fretless affect its sound?

The active preamp provides more control over the bass's tonal output, offering a wide range of EQ adjustments for customized sound shaping, making it versatile for various music styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the StingRay 4 HH Fretless?

This bass features an ash body with a maple neck and an ebony or pau ferro fretboard, contributing to its robust build and resonant sound quality.

How does the pickup configuration of the StingRay 4 HH Fretless enhance its performance?

The dual humbucking (HH) configuration offers a powerful and punchy sound with reduced noise, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 HH Fretless.

Features and functionality

  • The StingRay 4 HH Fretless with H/S configuration is rare, offering versatility in tone shaping.

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Comparisons

  • G&L L-2000 basses are recommended as a more affordable alternative with unlined fretless options.

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  • The Sterling by Music Man Ray34 is noted for having hardware that closely resembles the StingRay Special, providing a similar feel at a lower price.

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User experience

  • One owner reported a dead spot on the E flat on the A string, although this issue was specific to a previous bass.

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  • A user shares that the StingRay's neck feels substantial, contributing to a powerful playing experience that remains in tune even after months of inactivity.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Stringing the bass with GHS Pressurewounds is suggested to enhance the 'mwah' factor of the fretless sound.

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  • Some owners experience bridge saddle set screws loosening over time, requiring blue Loctite to ensure stability.

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Build quality

  • The neck on the StingRay is described as having a "no finish" finish, providing a raw, tactile feel that's preferred by many players.

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Use cases and applications

  • StingRay basses excel in studio settings, with one user noting they quickly achieve the desired tone with minimal post-processing.

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